It was originally implemented to allow the Linux kernel to
emulate a text console on systems such as the Apple Macintosh that do not have a text-mode display, and was
later expanded to Linux's originally-supported IBM PC
compatible platform, where it became popular largely for the
ability to show the Tux logo on boot
up. More significantly, it serves as a way of displaying Unicode characters on the Linux
console. Under the non-framebuffer, VGA display of the PC,
comprehensive Unicode support was impossible, for VGA console fonts
were limited to 512 characters.